NYSERDA Press Releases

PHELPS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CENTER COMMITS $3.5 MILLION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS
NYSERDA Provides Nearly $670,000 in financial incentives

Albany, NY – The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, Abacus Engineered Systems, Inc., and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York have partnered in a multi-million dollar project to provide energy-efficiency improvements at the hospital facilities in Sleepy Hollow. NYSERDA has committed approximately $670,000 to various projects at the hospital, and will present a $531,409 check to Phelps officials and Abacus Engineered Systems, Inc., today.

The energy-saving measures implemented through NYSERDA's New York Energy $mart Commercial/Industrial Performance Program include the installation of two high efficiency chillers, variable speed drives, and an energy-management system; improvement of the air distribution system; and an upgrade of the hospital's main fresh air supply air handler.

"All across New York State, NYSERDA is helping residents, institutions, businesses, industry, schools, and local governments with innovative energy projects. NYSERDAprovides financial and technical assistance through a variety of Energy Smart programs" said NYSERDA Chairman Vincent A. DeIorio. "I am proud that NYSERDA could partner with Phelps and Abacus Engineered Systems to implement energy-efficiency measures. The end result of this project will save Phelps Memorial Hospital Center approximately $330,000 in annual energy costs."

DeIorio continued, "Over the past four fiscal years, NYSERDA has provided more than $6.5 million dollars to help utility customers in Westchester County save energy. Our commitment to the Hudson Valley continues to grow as citizens and businesses strive to protect our environment while at the same time lowering their electric bills."

"We are very grateful to NYSERDA for its support, without which we would not have been able to undertake the massive energy plant upgrade at Phelps. Given the significance of saving energy in this region of New York, the timing of this NYSERDA-sponsored project is ideal" said Keith F. Safian, president and CEO of Phelps Memorial Hospital Center.

Safian continued, "The project is enabling Phelps to reduce water consumption by 40%, just when the county initiated a water-conservation program. Our new heating and cooling systems will enable us to improve patient comfort twelve months a year, reduce our power consumption at a time when the energy grid is near capacity, and save millions of dollars over future years - funds that will be invested in expanded patient care programs and services. NYSERDA is helping Phelps to fulfill its mission of providing excellent health services to our community."

James B. Slavetskas, P.E., vice-president of Northeast Operations for Abacus Engineered Systems, Inc., said, "Through the cooperation of Phelps Memorial Hospital and Abacus Engineered Systems, we've been able to leverage the rebates afforded through NYSERDA to perform a major renovation of the chiller plant, install an Internet-based building automation control systems, and replace other inefficient energy consuming equipment in the hospital. Favorable financing for the project was provided through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York's Tax Exempt Lease Program."

New York State Dormitory Authority Director Maryanne Gridley said, "Energy-saving projects like this one are money in the bank. Our partnership with NYSERDA will help Phelps Memorial save on equipment leasing costs, and guarantees a savings on energy costs. This kind of project helps us implement Governor Pataki's vision for an energy-smart New York."

The NYSERDA-Phelps-Abacus Engineered Systems project will cost $3.5 million dollars, and is expected to reduce annual electricity use by more 1.8 million kWh annually or enough to power 300 homes for a year.

Funding for this project comes from NYSERDA's New York Energy $mart^SM program, which is designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. New York Energy $mart^SM encompasses many energy efficiency programs and is available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.

A component of New York Energy $mart^SM, the Commercial/Industrial Performance Program, provides cost effective measures that include lighting, motors, variable-speed drives, energy management systems, packaged air conditioning and chillers, and custom measures that result in demand reduction or energy efficiency improvements. Financial incentives are paid on a performance basis to contractors implementing cost effective electrical efficiency improvements, or demand reduction.

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